The Cormorant Tree

Phalacrocorax carbo carbo

At this time of year, I often see large groups of Cormorants who come further up river during the winter months. Their preferred gathering point is this pair of trees that stand at a bend in the river. Described by the Scottish Wildlife Trust as ‘generally sociable birds that nest in colonies, gather in flocks and often hunt together in groups’, they can be seen ducking underwater in search of fish. Many of the birds seen here are immature as evidenced by their white bellies.

In this watercolour painting I was attempting to capture something of the desolation of winter, with the trees and birds silhouetted against a dark grey sky. The colour palette is muted, predominantly greys and browns. This represents a bit of a break from painting in oils but is a continuation of my studies of the River Eden. Go to my gallery page for a closer look at this piece.